Most people who get the flu will have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will recover in less than two weeks. Some people, however, are more likely to get flu complications that result in being hospitalized. Learn more about who is at risk on the CDC webpage.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. It is determined by how the disease spreads, not how many deaths it causes. If a pandemic occurs, the federal government will work to identify the cause and create a vaccine. Flu.gov will provide updates on the steps the federal government is taking to address the pandemic.

Unsure if you have the flu or the common cold? Wondering if there is a treatment available for the flu? In this section, you will find a description of flu symptoms, treatment recommendations, and advice on what to do while you or someone in your household is sick with the flu.

You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family. This checklist will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.